Nate Lynn may have forced his way into the Jets' roster conversation

For New York Jets fans who were unfamiliar with Nate Lynn before Friday’s preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, chances are that some of his new teammates found themselves in the same predicament.

Lynn, a former FCS All-American at William & Mary, signed with the Jets as an extra camp body earlier this week. He’d been unemployed since the Titans waived him this past April, though he’d previously played for Aaron Glenn when the two overlapped on the 2024 Lions.

Trust us when we say that the majority of the Jets’ locker room woke up on Saturday morning knowing Lynn’s name. How could you look him in the eyes and struggle to remember who he is following a two-sack performance?

Without overreacting to an unexpected preseason breakout, there’s no denying that Lynn left an incredible impression, and social media is understandably fired up. 

What New York Jets fans must know about edge rusher Nate Lynn

Lynn spent his entire college career at William & Mary, a growing rarity in the transfer portal and NIL era. He racked up 28 sacks and a team-record 12 forced fumbles over five seasons with the Tribe, earning three consecutive first-team All-CAA honors from 2021-23.

However, that wasn’t enough for Lynn to earn an NFL Combine invite, and he went firmly under the radar throughout the pre-draft process. An underdiscussed effect of the modern college football climate is how difficult it is to find mid-major or non-FBS sleeper candidates because so many now transfer to Power 4 programs.

Regardless of how much the starters play against the Giants next weekend, Lynn has already earned continued snaps. And although Pro Football Focus grades are notoriously divisive, the service saw enough of Lynn to give him an 89.9 grade, the fifth-highest among Jets players. When PFF grades and the eye test are in lockstep, that’s when some fans really start paying attention. 

Those hoping for Lynn to immediately start putting up Myles Garrett-like numbers should temper their expectations, and not solely because Garrett is among the greatest pass-rushers in league history. Barring injury, Lynn’s best-case scenario is likely landing on the Jets’ practice squad, at least to start the season. 

Granted, Lynn’s prior familiarity with Glenn might already give him an early advantage, and the revised rules allow for 16 practice squad players. Although teams can use a 17th spot on a qualifying international player, that designation wouldn’t go to Lynn, who is from Illinois and played high school football in North Carolina.

But being on a practice squad is far better than waiting for a camp opportunity, an experience that Lynn endured for nearly four months. Occasionally, good things still come to those who wait. 

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